Local soldier killed in Afghanistan

Friends and family said goodbye to a La Porte soldier who died in Afghanistan. Specialist Jarrett Griemel was laid to rest Saturday afternoon with full military honors. But his death is under investigation and those close to him want some answers. It was a funeral service fit for a soldier. The people closest to Specialist Griemel gathered to say goodbye to the 20-year-old, killed in a non-combat incident in Afghanistan last week.

"He was a lovable kid," said his brother Chase Schallert. "Everybody loved him. He had a big smile, big heart. I loved him, still do, and I miss him."

The petroleum specialist had gone to La Porte High School, enlisted in the Army in 11th grade, married his high school sweetheart and left a big impression on the people around him.

Family friend Josh Aldridge recalled, "I knew him since he was eight or nine years old and he was a good kid, did good in school. He was out going, adventurous. It's just a shame."

Specialist Griemel's death remains under investigation. But his family says they were told he was a day away from being promoted to sergeant when he died. Instead, with the crack of a 21 gun salute and the sound of Taps, Specialist Griemel's friends and family said goodbye, not only to a soldier, but to a loved one they will never forget.

Specialist Griemel was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska before he was deployed to Afghanistan.